NIH Rare Diseases

Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by abnormal blinking or spasms of the eyelids. It is a form of dystonia, a group of movement disorders involving uncontrolled tensing of the muscles (contractions), rhythmic shaking (tremors), and other involuntary movements. BEB occurs in both men and women, although it is especially common in middle-aged women. Initial symptoms include an increased frequency of blinking, dry eyes, and eye irritation. As the condition progresses, spasms of the muscles surrounding the eyes cause involuntary winking or squinting and increasing difficulty keeping eyes open, which can lead to vision impairment. In more than half of all people with BEB, the symptoms affect other facial muscles and muscles in other areas of the body. When people with BEB also experience involuntary muscle spasms affecting the tongue and jaw, this is known as Meige syndrome. The cause of BEB is unknown; however, some cases appear to run through families. Although there is no cure for BEB, symptoms can be treated using various methods including botulinum toxin injections. Last updated: 11/2/2016

MalaCards based summary

Blepharospasm, Benign Essential, also known as benign essential blepharospasm, is related to aceruloplasminemia and blepharospasm, and has symptoms including blepharospasm, lingual dystonia and oromandibular dystonia. An important gene associated with Blepharospasm, Benign Essential is DRD5 (Dopamine Receptor D5). The drugs Acetylcholine and Silicon have been mentioned in the context of this disorder. Affiliated tissues include eye and tongue.

OMIM

Blepharospasm is a primary focal dystonia affecting the orbicularis oculi muscles, usually beginning in middle age. Initial symptoms include eye irritation and frequent blinking, progressing to involuntary spasms of eyelid closure. In severe cases, this can lead to functional blindness (summary by Misbahuddin et al., 2002). (606798)

UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot

Benign essential blepharospasm: A primary focal dystonia affecting the orbicularis oculi muscles. Dystonia is defined by the presence of sustained involuntary muscle contraction, often leading to abnormal postures. BEB usually begins in middle age. Initial symptoms include eye irritation and frequent blinking, progressing to involuntary spasms of eyelid closure. Patients have normal eyes. The visual disturbance is due solely to the forced closure of the eyelids. In severe cases, this can lead to functional blindness.

NINDS

Benign essential blepharospasm (BEB) is a progressive neurological disorder characterized by involuntary muscle contractions and spasms of the eyelid muscles. It is a form of dystonia, a movement disorder in which muscle contractions cause sustained eyelid closure, twitching or repetitive movements. BEB begins gradually with increased frequency of eye blinking often associated with eye irritation. Other symptoms may include increasing difficulty in keeping the eyes open, and light sensitivity. Generally, the spasms occur during the day, disappear in sleep, and reappear after waking. As the condition progresses, the spasms may intensify, forcing the eyelids to remain closed for long periods of time, and thereby causing substantial visual disturbance or functional blindness. It is important to note that the blindness is caused solely by the uncontrollable closing of the eyelids and not by a dysfunction of the eyes. BEB occurs in both men and women, although it is especially common in middle-aged and elderly women.

Genetics Home Reference

Benign essential blepharospasm is a condition characterized by abnormal blinking or spasms of the eyelids. This condition is a type of dystonia, which is a group of movement disorders involving uncontrolled tensing of the muscles (muscle contractions), rhythmic shaking (tremors), and other involuntary movements. Benign essential blepharospasm is different from the common, temporary eyelid twitching that can be caused by fatigue, stress, or caffeine.